Billy Howton died on Aug. 4 in Houston, according to an obituary from Bradshaw-Carter funeral home. He was 95.

When he retired from pro football after the 1963 season, Howton held the NFL career records for receptions and receiving yards. He was a four-time Pro Bowl honoree, first-team All-Pro twice and second-team All-Pro once.

Off the field, he's credited with being the founder and first president of the NFL Players Association.

Howton was born July 30, 1930, in Littlefield and graduated from Plainview High School in 1948, where he competed in football, basketball and track and field, according to the Plainview Daily Herald. He was a charter member of the Plainview High School athletics Hall of Honor established in 2022.

"We are saddened by the passing of Billy Howton," the N

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